Have you ever met someone who seems naturally suited to lead—someone who just exudes confidence, inspires others, and always seems to know the right direction?
I’ve definitely encountered a few such women, and their qualities are unforgettable. They carry a presence that’s hard to ignore and a perspective that feels both grounded and visionary.
For years, I’ve been fascinated by what makes these women stand out as leaders, and while there’s no universal formula for leadership, there are distinct traits that seem to set these women apart.
Today, we’re exploring six of these traits.
Let’s dive in.
1) Unflinching courage
Leadership is no walk in the park. It demands a certain level of courage, and for women born to be leaders, this courage is usually quite evident.
They face challenges head-on, undeterred by the possibility of failure. They’re not afraid to take risks if it means achieving their goals. They know that fear is a part of the journey, but they don’t let it dictate their actions.
It’s not just about being brave in the face of danger, it’s about staying resolute even when things are uncertain.
This courage allows these women to make tough decisions and stand by them, even when others doubt or question their choices.
2) Empathy in abundance
Another quality I’ve noticed in women who are natural-born leaders is their abundant empathy.
And it’s not just my observation—experts agree that empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Dr. Tracy Brower, a sociologist and author, has even said that empathy is the most important leadership skill.
I once worked with a boss named Amanda, who exemplified this perfectly. She wasn’t just a leader in title, but in action and spirit as well.
During a particularly tough time in my personal life, she didn’t just offer me time off; she genuinely cared about my well-being. Amanda would check in on me—not as her employee, but as a person.
She understood that behind every team member was a human being with their own set of struggles and joys. Her empathetic approach wasn’t just about helping me feel better; it created an environment where everyone felt valued and heard.
For women like Amanda, empathy isn’t about simply being nice; it’s about understanding the needs and feelings of others and using that insight to guide their actions and decisions.
This empathy is what makes them not just leaders, but truly inspiring ones.
3) Exceptional communication skills
As put by leadership expert Simon Sinek, “Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity, it is as if we are talking about the past.”
Natural-born women leaders possess this skill without fail – they are exceptional communicators. They have the ability to articulate their vision clearly and inspire others to follow.
But they’re not just good at getting their points across, they’re also great listeners. They value input from their team and are open to new ideas. This two-way communication builds trust, fosters creativity, and promotes a collaborative environment.
In essence, their communication style doesn’t just facilitate understanding, it drives connection and engagement, making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger.
4) Resilience amidst adversity
This is a big one.
Women who are born to lead have a remarkable capacity to bounce back from setbacks. They don’t view failures as the end, but rather as opportunities to learn and grow.
They understand that the road to success is not always smooth. There will be bumps, obstacles, and detours along the way, but they never lose sight of their destination.
They take each setback in stride, using it as a stepping stone to reach new heights. Their resilience inspires their teams, instilling a never-give-up attitude that fuels progress.
Simply put, their ability to weather any storm and still stand tall is a testament to their leadership strength.
5) The ability to see the bigger picture
Another defining trait of women who are born to lead is their capacity to see beyond immediate concerns and focus on the bigger picture.
This isn’t just about planning; it’s a skill that involves balancing present challenges with long-term goals and understanding how each decision fits into the larger landscape.
As the experts at Harvard Business Review put it, “Great leaders have an ‘outside-in’ perspective of their organizations and teams. This means they have an ability to look at situations and issues from the standpoint of external stakeholders, such as customers or competitors.”
Women who naturally lead often apply this “outside-in” mindset seamlessly. They don’t get bogged down by the day-to-day details but instead make decisions with a keen awareness of how these choices will impact everyone involved—whether that’s the team, the customers, or the organization as a whole.
By keeping the broader perspective in view, these leaders inspire confidence, motivate others, and make choices that stand the test of time.
It’s this visionary quality that not only propels their teams forward but also ensures that they remain adaptable in a constantly changing world.
6) The ability to empower others
At the heart of all these qualities lies the most important one – the ability to empower others.
As so well put by Simon Sinek, whom I mentioned earlier, “A great leader doesn’t only inspire us to have confidence in what THEY can do. A great leader inspires us to have confidence in what WE can do.”
They invest in their team, providing the guidance and resources needed for them to grow and succeed. They recognize potential, nurture talent, and give credit where it’s due.
Their leadership is not about maintaining power, but sharing it. They understand that true leadership is not about standing above others, but standing with them.
The essence of leadership
For women born to lead, these qualities aren’t just traits, they are the very fabric of their being.
Whether it’s their unflinching courage or their ability to empower others, each quality forms a piece of the puzzle that makes them who they are.
Considered in isolation, these traits may not seem extraordinary. But when woven together, these qualities create a truly remarkable leader—someone who not only achieves goals but also inspires and uplifts everyone around them.
